Rector of UIN Jakarta Appreciates Innovations in the 2024 Hajj Implementation

Rectorate Building, UIN News Online — The Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for the successful implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 1445 H/2024 AD. He also commended the significant innovations undertaken by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Hajj for Indonesian Muslims this season.

Rector Asep Jahar conveyed his appreciation in Jakarta on Sunday, July 28, 2024. “Alhamdulillah, we are grateful for the successful performance of our fellow Indonesian pilgrims during this year's Hajj season,” he stated.

The Rector noted that the implementation of Hajj deserves appreciation because managing the pilgrimage is no easy task. This is due to the long waiting list and the large number of Indonesian pilgrims traveling to the holy land, along with other challenges related to Hajj management.

“Hajj implementation is not an easy task. Therefore, for the successful organization of the 2024 Hajj, we need to express our appreciation to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Hajj Committee, and the Indonesian government itself,” he added.

Citing data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Indonesia’s Hajj quota for 2024 reached 241,000 pilgrims. This is the largest quota in the history of Indonesia's Hajj pilgrimage.

In his observation, Rector Asep Jahar mentioned that several challenges were faced during the 2024 Hajj implementation. These included demands for adequate healthcare services for pilgrims, the need for sufficient accommodation, transportation services, weather conditions, and more.

Rector Asep Jahar also expressed his appreciation for the innovations implemented in the 2024 Hajj. Among them is the digital transformation in the recruitment of Hajj officials, where the registration process is open and online, including the use of Computer Assisted Testing (CAT) for all officials.

Another innovation is the Kawal Haji App. This application provides convenience for pilgrims, their families, and the general public to lodge complaints and grievances. It has helped identify and address various issues more quickly, thereby improving service quality and pilgrim satisfaction.

Furthermore, the Safari Wukuf Program for elderly and disabled pilgrims was executed with meticulous preparation, including accommodation, staff, and catering services. This ensured that elderly and disabled pilgrims could comfortably perform wukuf in Arafah despite their limitations.

The use of the International Patient Summary (IPS) on the Hajj pilgrims' cards is another crucial innovation in health management. The health summary, which includes demographic details, allergies, medications, illnesses, and vaccinations, enables healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia to offer more precise and measured medical care, enhancing the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

Lastly, the simplification of the Visa Delay/Cancellation process has optimized the use of the Hajj quota. Pilgrims who cancel or delay their departure can be entered into the Siskohat system, allowing the provincial Religious Affairs Offices and the central Ministry to promptly cancel and apply for replacement visas. This approach has successfully optimized the utilization of the Hajj quota this year.

Rector Asep Jahar emphasized that these various innovations have supported the successful implementation of this year’s Hajj. “The innovations introduced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs have significantly contributed to the success of this year’s Hajj. We hope this success will inspire the management of Hajj in Indonesia in the coming years,” he concluded. (ZM/PIH)